Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs in Kentucky, Asbury's bachelor's degree appears to track closely with state norms—estimated first-year earnings of $41,842 land right at Kentucky's median for chemistry graduates, while the estimated $24,994 in debt sits just slightly above typical levels. What's worth noting is that within Kentucky's chemistry landscape, outcomes vary significantly: Murray State graduates earn 40% more in their first year than those from Eastern Kentucky, suggesting that school selection matters considerably even within the same state and major.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 indicates a manageable financial start—graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. This falls comfortably within the range financial aid experts consider sustainable for STEM fields, where earnings typically grow substantially after the entry-level phase. Chemistry degrees generally provide pathways to laboratory work, quality control positions, or further study in healthcare and research, fields where starting modestly but advancing steadily is common.
The limitation here is clear: without program-specific data from Asbury, you're looking at what similar Kentucky programs produce rather than actual outcomes for this school's chemistry graduates. If chemistry at Asbury performs more like Murray State, it's a solid investment; if it trends toward Eastern Kentucky's results, the math becomes tighter. Request placement data and graduate outcomes directly from Asbury's chemistry department to see where their alumni actually land.
Where Asbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,640 | $41,842* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,708 | $48,334* | — | $25,000* | 0.52 | |
| $12,828 | $41,842* | — | $24,411* | 0.58 | |
| $10,130 | $34,512* | $57,563 | $23,584* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581* | — | $24,000* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Asbury University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.